To what extent are anorectal function tests comparable? A study comparing digital rectal examination, anal electromyography, 3-dimensional high-resolution anal manometry, and transperineal ultrasound

Can Digital Rectal Examination Identify the Subtype of Dyssynergic Disorders as Well as High Resolution Anorectal Manometry?

Background and Aims

Diagnosing dyssynergic disorders (DD) often requires 3D high-definition anorectal manometry (3D-HRAM), raising concerns about cost, availability, and delayed referral. Digital rectal examination (DRE) offers a reliable, cost-effective alternative for DD diagnosis. This study aimed to assess DRE's capability to classify DD patients into the four subtypes outlined in Rao's classification.

Methods

This retrospective monocentric study involved patients diagnosed with DD through 3D-HRAM. After initial 3D-HRAM performed by one physician, patients underwent a clinical examination, including DRE by a second senior clinician blinded to DD subtypes. Statistical tests measured the correlation between DRE and HRAM in classifying the four DD subtypes.

Results

The study included 200 patients, revealing commendable overall agreement between DRE and 3D-HRAM (Kappa = 0.658). For subtype diagnosis, correlation was substantial for Subtypes I, II, and IV (0.679, 0.741, 0.649, respectively) and moderate for Subtype III (Kappa = 0.325).

Conclusion

DRE demonstrates satisfactory performance in diagnosing the four subtypes of DD. Enhanced training in DRE, emphasizing functional information, has the potential to reduce reliance on additional tests, thereby mitigating economic and organizational impacts.

Faecal incontinence: investigation, treatment and management

Faecal incontinence is a hidden problem that is often under-reported, under-diagnosed, under-investigated and under-treated. Faecal incontinence is more common in women and older people. Its prevalence also increases with age. Faecal incontinence occurs because of a complex interplay of contributing factors, some of which can be reversed in primary care without the need for specialist investigations and treatment. This article explores the reasons why adults develop faecal incontinence and how to identify and treat reversible causes in primary care. It also provides information on specialist treatment and the management of intractable faecal incontinence. A structured approach to assessment and management is key in identifying problems and offering primary care for timely treatment.

The Clinical Utility of Anorectal Manometry: A Review of Current Practices

Anorectal manometry (ARM) is a diagnostic test that utilizes pressure sensors to dynamically measure intraluminal anal and rectal pressures, thus providing an objective evaluation of anorectal functional parameters (tone, contractility, and relaxation), coordination and reflex activity, and sensation. ARM is a useful test for numerous indications including for the assessment and management of functional anorectal disorders such as fecal incontinence, functional defecatory disorders, and functional anorectal pain, preoperative assessment of anorectal function, and in facilitating/assessing response to biofeedback training. In addition, while many functional anorectal disorders present with overlapping symptoms (ie constipation, anorectal pain), ARM allows delineation of more specific disease processes and may guide treatment more effectively. In recent years the development of advanced manometric methodologies such as high-resolution anorectal manometry has also led to improved spatial resolution of data acquisition, further increasing the potential for the expansion of ARM. However, despite its ability to provide detailed information on anorectal and pelvic floor muscle function and synergy as well as the endorsements of several national and international organizations, ARM is still infrequently utilized in clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to address the current clinical applications and limitations of ARM for various disorders of the lower gastrointestinal tract. In so doing, we will provide clinicians with a framework for the use of ARM in clinical practice. This review will also discuss potential barriers to widespread adoption of ARM in clinical practice and propose possible solutions to these challenges.

Use of Non-Thermal Plasma as Postoperative Therapy in Anal Fistula: Clinical Experience and Results

Anal fistula, characterized by abnormal tracts between the perianal skin and the anal canal, presents challenges in treatment because of its diversity and complexity. This study investigates the use of non-thermal plasma as a postsurgical therapy for anal fistula, aiming to promote healing and tissue regeneration. A specialized plasma reactor was designed to apply non-thermal plasma within the anorectal cavity practically. Non-thermal plasma treatment was administered to 20 patients including 10 undergoing fistulectomies and 10 undergoing fistulotomies. The average duration of non-thermal plasma application in the operating room was shorter for fistulotomies. The pain reported the day after surgery was similar in both groups. Improvements in the number of evacuations starting from the day after surgery, as well as the assessment of stool quality using the Bristol scale, indicated satisfactory intestinal recovery. Fistulotomy patients exhibited faster wound healing times. These findings underscore the efficacy of non-thermal plasma as a postoperative therapy for anal fistula, enhancing healing and recovery outcomes without increasing complication risks.

Bedside electromyography for clinical assessment of sacral motor and reflex activity adapted for patients hospitalized with acute neurological conditions: a pilot study

STUDY DESIGN

Pilot cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and implement a sacral electromyographic (sEMG) technique at bedside to ascertain sparing of sacral motor activity and reflexes in patients hospitalized for acute neurological conditions.

SETTING

Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal a Canadian Level-1 university trauma center specialized in SCI care.

METHODS

Nine patients underwent digital rectal examination (DRE) and sEMG, assessing voluntary anal contraction and sacral spinal reflexes (bulbocavernosus reflex and the anal wink). Our sEMG technique utilized surface recording electrodes and tactile elicitation of reflexes. EMG signal was acquired at bedside through the Noraxon MR3 system.

RESULTS

It was quick, well accepted and did no harm. We found that contrary to the DRE, sEMG detected subclinical sacral motor activity and reflexes in 20% of cases for voluntary anal contraction and 40% of cases for the anal wink.

CONCLUSION

We believe our sEMG technique is a powerful tool able to enhance management of patients suffering from acute neurological impairments and requiring sacral function assessment.

Factors associated with decreased anal sphincter tone and the accuracy of forced anal examinations to detect individuals having receptive anal intercourse: an observational study

Introduction

Forced anal examinations are used to prosecute sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in multiple countries under the presumption that decreased sphincter tone, assessed by a finger inserted into the anal canal, can detect persons practising receptive anal intercourse. Using baseline data from a longitudinal study, we aimed to determine factors associated with sphincter tone and the accuracy of sphincter tonality to detect persons engaging in receptive anal intercourse.

Methods

Clinicians in Chicago, Houston and Milwaukee, USA conducted digital anal rectal examinations (DARE) to score sphincter resting tone (RT) and squeeze tone (ST). On a separate survey, individuals reported their preferred position for anal intercourse, that is, either always/mostly insertive anal intercourse, always/mostly receptive anal intercourse or both receptive and insertive anal intercourse. Multivariable regression assessed factors associated with decreased sphincter tone while the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) estimated the accuracy of sphincter tonality to detect receptive anal intercourse.

Results

Of 838 participants, 94.0% of whom were cisgendered males, 11.3% had decreased RT (95/838) and 6.3% had decreased ST (53/838). The accuracy of DARE to detect any receptive anal intercourse was little better than random guessing (AUC 0.53, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.55 and AUC 0.51, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.53, respectively). RT and ST decreased with age regardless of sexual behaviour (ptrend<0.01 for both). Compared with individuals having always/mostly insertive anal intercourse, individuals having always/mostly receptive anal intercourse were associated with decreased RT, but not ST, while those equally preferring both insertive and receptive anal intercourse were not associated with decreased RT or ST.

Conclusion

Decreased sphincter tone is uncommon among SGM who prefer receptive anal intercourse. Given virtually no accuracy, a finger inserted into the anus has no utility to detect individuals practising receptive anal intercourse and thus should not be used as such.

Trial registration number

NCT04090060.

Digital Rectal Exams Are Infrequently Performed Prior to Anorectal Manometry

BACKGROUND

Digital rectal examination should be performed prior to anorectal manometry; however, real-world data is lacking.

AIMS

Characterize real world rates of digital rectal and their sensitivity for detecting dyssynergia compared to anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion test.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study was conducted to examine all patients who underwent anorectal manometry for chronic constipation between 2021 and 2022 at one tertiary center with motility expertise. Primary outcomes consisted of the rate of digital rectal exam prior to anorectal manometry; and secondary outcomes included the sensitivity of digital rectal exam for dyssynergic defecation.

RESULTS

Only 42.3% of 142 patients had digital rectal examinations prior to anorectal manometry. Overall sensitivity for detecting dyssynergic defecation was 46.4%, but significantly higher for gastroenterology providers (p = .004), and highest for gastroenterology attendings (82.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Digital rectal examination is infrequently performed when indicated for chronic constipation. Sensitivity for detecting dyssynergic defecation may be impacted by discipline and level of training.

Study on 3D High-Resolution Anorectal Manometry Interrater Agreement in the Evaluation of Dyssynergic Defecation Disorders

Anorectal manometry measurements exhibit significant interrater variability. Newer techniques like 3D high-resolution anorectal manometry (3D-HRAM) have the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and our understanding of defecation disorders. However, the extent of interrater variability in 3D-HRAM is still unknown. Between January 2020 to April 2022, patients referred for pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) due to functional defecation complaints underwent 3D-HRAM testing. In a retrospective analysis, three expert raters independently evaluated the 3D-HRAM results in a blinded matter to assess interrater agreement. The evaluation also determined the level of agreement concerning dyssynergic patterns during simulated defecation. The 3D-HRAM results of 50 patients (37 females) were included. Twenty-nine patients had complaints of fecal incontinence, eleven patients had chronic constipation, and ten patients had several other complaints. There was a substantial agreement (kappa 0.612) between the raters concerning the 3D images on dyssynergic patterns during simulated defecation. Our study emphasizes the need for standardized guidelines in evaluating 3D-HRAM test results to reduce subjectivity and further improve agreement among raters. Implementing these guidelines could improve diagnostic consistency and enhance personalized treatment strategies, increasing the reliability and usefulness of 3D-HRAM testing in clinical practice.